Full Spectrum Modification
Take advantage of the whole spectrum!
Both Canon and Nikon cameras can be specially modified to open the sensor to H-alpha, ultraviolet, and infrared light. This conversion would transform your camera making it versatile and allowing you to use it to its full potential by shooting phenomenal photographs of almost anything – both visible and invisible.
By default, most Canon cameras come equipped with two internal filters that intercept light nonvisible to the human eye. Nikon cameras are usually factory-assembled with one ‘sandwich’ filter that serves the same purpose.
Although having these filters is useful and beneficial for everyday photography, it also prohibits taking pictures in other light ranges like ultraviolet, H-alpha, and infrared.
Fortunately for those wishing to shoot the aforementioned types of images, it is still possible to convert certain cameras to overcome the challenges posed by the pre-installed filters.
Applying our expert knowledge and experience, we at Night Sky Camera have developed our own unique system to customize cameras to various configurations. Our method is effective, reasonably priced, and, most importantly, reliable.
To convert any camera, we begin by carefully disassembling the camera body to reveal major internal components and make them accessible for extraction.
A full spectrum modification removes all the stock filters to open the sensor up to the entire light spectrum, including UV and IR. What you are left with is commonly known as a “naked” sensor and is the perfect solution for those interested in shooting different types of photography using the same camera. Furthermore, such configuration eliminates the possibility of internal reflections caused by additional layers of filters and glass near the sensor.
Many believe that a sensor without filters on top of it is delicate and unprotected; this is not the case. In reality, such sensor is shielded behind a layer of protective glass and is not exposed to the outside environment.
When the filters are extracted, the camera is already suitable for astrophotography with telescopes. However, if the camera is to be used with lenses for other types of photography, another adjustment to the sensor would need to be performed…
To compensate for the removal of these filters, we then precisely calibrate the camera sensor by adjusting its position so that the internal autofocus system may work properly. As it is part of the internal filter configuration, the dust reduction element is removed with the stock filter.
Finally, the camera body is reassembled and extensively tested to guarantee the product upholds our company’s quality standard and to ensure the new system will continue functioning. At this point, new light can effortlessly make its way to the sensor and your camera will be ready for whatever new adventures you have planned for it.
NOTE
Some sensor mounts don’t have enough room to compensate for the missing stock filter glass layer. In this case, a high quality polished clear glass filter is installed in the sensor frame to help with sensor calibration. The clear glass filters were developed in collaboration with an optical lab and have the most current BBAR (Broadband Anti-Reflective Coating) applied to them.
Depending on each individual imaging train, clear glass filters may produce halos surrounding bright stars. This, however, is considered a typical and common occurrence as even some of the world’s most advanced and expensive telescope imaging systems encounter the halo artifacts in their images.
Depending on your needs, external filters with various capabilities may be required for this modification type.